Pros
-
Energy efficient
Cons
-
Fridge temperatures can run a little warm
The GE GTS18FGLWWGE (left) and GTS21FGKWW (right) next to each other in our lab. We recommend the smaller GTS18FGLWWGE, which runs cooler at the recommended temperature setting.
Design and features
The models we tested were high-gloss white, but if your kitchen design calls for a black refrigerator, they have one of those too, and for the same price. Stylish stainless steel and slate finishes are available for about $100 more.
The refrigerator compartments are brightly illuminated with white LED light. Top freezers don't have lights.
Bright LED lights illuminate the refrigerator compartments, but not the freezers. Deep bins on the refrigerator doors handle gallon-sized containers, freeing up space in the main compartments. The glass shelves capture spills, and they're easy to move around if you want to rearrange.
No icemakers are included with these refrigerators, though you can purchase them separately.
Although there are no lights, it's easy to see the contents of a top freezer model.
Performance
Both of these refrigerators excel in energy efficiency, costing between $21 and $22 to run for a year. They both chill quickly, too, with the larger model taking only 32 minutes to cross the freezing point, and the smaller model passing 32° in an incredible 21 minutes.
Related content
feature
The smaller refrigerator beat the larger model in terms of temperature, staying close to 38° throughout our tests. Its freezer temperature was somewhat inconsistent, but averaged -2°, which is great.
it's easy to adjust the temperatures by turning this knob.
The larger version (the GTS21FGKWW) temperatures varied in our tests, averaging close to 40° in the refrigerator compartment, which is safe, unless it bounces up. The freezer temperature was much too warm, averaging 4.6 degrees on the factory setting, when it should be closer to 0°. Watch out for freezer burn with this one! Fortunately, it's easy to use the temperature control knobs to make adjustments, and we recommend that you do that.
Neither fridge does a good job keeping humidity its crispers. That could be an issue if you want to keep your fruits and veggies for a long time. If you use them up quickly, you'll probably get by.
The crispers slide well, though they are a bit noisy to open. The bigger issue is that they don't retain moisture well.
What users say
Some of the owners who left reviews say they purchased the smaller refrigerator as a backup fridge for the garage, and were pleased with its operation. Those who bought the larger model were generally happy with its size. A number of reviews of both models called them noisy.
The bottom line
The smaller model, the GTS18FGLBWW, surpassed the larger model, the GTS21FGKCWW, in our tests, so if you can manage with less space, that's the one to choose. You could also consider the Whirlpool WRT318FZDW, an affordable fridge that scored very well in our tests.
Meet the tester
Cindy Bailen loves writing about major appliances and home design and has spent over 15 years immersed in that. In her spare time, Cindy hosts pledge programs for WGBH-TV in Boston and other public television stations.
Checking our work.
Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.
Shoot us an email